Right now, if you're standing outside in Orlando, it’s a crisp 72°F.
Honestly, it’s one of those classic Florida winter days where the sun is doing most of the heavy lifting. While the official reading says 72, the "feels like" temp is actually hanging out around 76°F. That’s the humidity and the direct southeast wind (moving at about 5 mph) playing tricks on your skin.
You’ve probably noticed the sky is mostly sunny. It’s the kind of weather that makes tourists from Ohio want to move here immediately, while locals are finally breaking out their "heavy" hoodies.
What to Expect for the Rest of Today
We’re basically at the peak right now. The high for this Saturday, January 17, 2026, is capped at 73°F. It’s not going to get much warmer than this.
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But don't let the afternoon sun fool you into thinking tonight will stay balmy. As soon as that sun dips, the mercury is going to take a serious dive. We’re looking at a low of 42°F overnight. That is a 30-degree swing. If you’re heading to the parks or dinner at Disney Springs, you’ll definitely want a jacket.
Here is the quick breakdown of the data for today:
- Current Temp: 72°F (Feels like 76°F)
- Today's High: 73°F
- Tonight's Low: 42°F
- Wind: 6 mph from the southeast
- Rain Chance: Minimal. 10% during the day, dropping to 5% tonight.
- UV Index: 4 (Moderate)
The Weirdness of January in Central Florida
People often think Florida is a tropical paradise year-round, but January is notoriously moody. Just two days ago, meteorologists like Candace Campos were warning about the coldest temperatures the area has seen in four years. We’re coming off a sharp cold front that saw some spots in Orange County dipping toward freezing.
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Today is the "milder" recovery.
The humidity is sitting at 45% right now, which is why it feels so comfortable. In the summer, that number hits 90% and you feel like you’re breathing through a wet towel. Today? It’s just clear, dry air. The UV index is a 4, so while it’s not the summer scorcher that roasts you in ten minutes, you can still catch a burn if you’re out at the pool all afternoon.
Packing for the 30-Degree Swing
If you’re visiting, the biggest mistake is packing only shorts. You’ll be fine at 2:00 PM, but by 8:00 PM, you’ll be the person buying a $70 Spirit Jersey just to keep from shivering.
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- Morning/Evening: You need a fleece or a light puffer jacket. That 42°F low usually hits right around sunrise.
- Midday: T-shirts are perfect. It’s gorgeous.
- Footwear: Leave the flip-flops for the hotel pool. Sneakers are better for keeping your feet warm when the temperature drops 20 degrees in three hours.
Looking Ahead
The southeast wind is keeping things stable for now, but these winter transitions are quick. We aren't expecting any real rain today—just a stray 10% chance of a shower—but the clouds will start to roll in more tonight, turning it from "mostly sunny" to "partly cloudy."
If you’re planning outdoor activities, today is arguably the best day of the week. The air is dry, the sun is out, and the wind is barely a breeze. Just make sure you’re back inside or bundled up before that 42°F chill settles in tonight.
Actionable Insights:
- Dress in layers: Wear a t-shirt under a hoodie so you can adapt as the temp climbs to 73°F and drops back down.
- Sun protection: Even with a moderate UV index of 4, the Florida sun is deceptive in January; wear SPF if you're outdoors for more than an hour.
- Evening plans: If you have outdoor dining reservations tonight, confirm they have space heaters, as it will feel significantly colder than the afternoon.